Chimney flashing fabrication tool

ABSTRACT

A chimney flashing fabrication tool including a base, a plurality of pivot arms, a plurality of lateral arms, and a plurality of fastener assemblies. The base includes one or more primary slots, the plurality of pivot arms each include a secondary slot, and the plurality of lateral arms each include a connecting slot. The plurality of fastener assemblies are configured to couple each pivot arm to the base via the primary slot and the secondary slot, and each lateral arm to one or more pivot arms via the connecting slots and the secondary slots.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/740,205, filed Oct. 2, 2018, the entire contents all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments relate to chimney flashing fabrication tools.

SUMMARY

A chimney may be constructed of bricks and protrude from a rooftop at a peak or an inclined surface of the rooftop. At the protrusion, a connection area between the chimney and the roof may be formed. In order to avoid snow, rain, and/or any other elements from seeping into a house, chimney flashing may be applied to the connection area. Chimney flashing may be made of vinyl, PVC, aluminum, steel, and/or copper and may be applied in a “stair stepping” manor with respect to the bricks of the chimney. Such application may be performed manually, which may lead to improper installation.

One embodiment provides a chimney flashing fabrication tool including a base, a plurality of pivot arms, a plurality of lateral arms, and a plurality of fastener assemblies. The base includes one or more primary slots, the plurality of pivot arms each include a secondary slot, and the plurality of lateral arms each include a connecting slot. The plurality of fastener assemblies are configured to couple each pivot arm to the base via the primary slot and the secondary slot, and each lateral arm to one or more pivot arms via the connecting slots and the secondary slots.

Another embodiment provides a fabrication tool that allows the user to connect two bases of the respective fabrication tool to allow for the fabrication tool to be used in conjunction with peak of a roof.

Yet another embodiment provides a method of assembling a chimney flashing fabrication tool by providing a base including one or more primary slots, providing a plurality of pivot arms each including a secondary slot, and a plurality of lateral arms each including a connecting slot. The method further includes fastening each of the pivot arms to the base and fastening each of the lateral arms to one or more of the pivot arms.

Other aspects of the application will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chimney flashing fabrication tool used in conjunction with a chimney according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the chimney flashing fabrication tool of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the chimney flashing fabrication tool of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a base of the chimney flashing fabrication tool of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a pivot arm of the chimney flashing fabrication tool of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a lateral arm of the chimney flashing fabrication tool of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of an embodiment of a fastener assembly of the chimney flashing fabrication tool of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the chimney flashing fabrication tool of FIG. 1 used in conjunction with the chimney according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the chimney flashing fabrication tool of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the chimney flashing fabrication tool of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a chimney flashing fabrication tool used in conjunction with the chimney according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method of assembling a chimney flashing tool according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the application are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The application is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a chimney flashing fabrication tool 10, according to some embodiments. The flashing fabrication tool 10 includes a base 14, a plurality of pivot arms 18, a plurality of lateral arms 22, and a plurality of fastener assemblies 26. The base 14 of the flashing fabrication tool 10 may be placed along the slope of a roof 30 and against a chimney 34.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the base 14, each pivot arm 18, and each lateral arm 22 separately. In the embodiment discussed, the base 14, the plurality of pivot arms 18, and the plurality of lateral arms 22 are formed of aluminum. In other embodiments, other materials such as steel, plastic, etc., may be used to form these structures. Additionally, the base 14 may be any desired dimension. However in some embodiments, the base 14 has a length in a range from approximately five to approximately ten feet. In the embodiments discussed, the base 14 is constructed to have one or more primary slots 38 positioned horizontally along the base 14 while being positioned approximately equidistant from a first edge 42 and a second edge 46, distal from the first edge 42. More specifically, the one or more primary slots 38 extend horizontally along the base 14 for nearly the entire, or a majority (e.g., approximately 80-95 percent) of the length of the base 14. For example, if the base 14 is approximately five feet in length, the one or more primary slots 38 may extend horizontally along the base 14 for approximately four feet to approximately four feet and eight inches.

The primary slot 38 may be positioned in such a manner that a first rail portion 50 and a second rail portion 54 are defined by the primary slot 38. A first connection member 58 is positioned between an end 62 of the base 14, a first primary slot 38, the first rail portion 50, and the second rail portion 54. A second connection member 66 may be positioned between the first primary slot 38, a second primary slot 38, the first rail portion 50, and the second rail portion 54. The positions of the first connection member 58 and second connection member 66 may be configured to increase the rigidity of the flashing fabrication tool 10. In the embodiment shown, the first connection member 58 is less than approximately half an inch and the second connection member 66 is approximately one inch. In other embodiments, the first connection member 58 and second connection member 66 may be any dimensions or orientation that increases the overall rigidity of the flashing fabrication tool 10.

Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of pivot arms 18 may each include a secondary slot 68 positioned vertically and approximately equidistant from a first vertical edge 70 and a second vertical edge 72 of the plurality of pivot arms 18. Referring to FIG. 6, the plurality of lateral arms 22 may each include a connecting slot 74 positioned horizontally and approximately equidistant from a first horizontal edge 78 and a second horizontal edge 80 of the plurality of lateral arms 22. In other embodiments, the base 14, the plurality of pivot arms 18, and the plurality of lateral arms 22 may be constructed in such manners that the adjustment of each member is achievable. For example, the secondary slot 68 and the connecting slot 74 may be formed as a plurality of separate slots similar to the one or more primary slots of the base 14. Additionally, the base 14, the plurality of pivot arms 18, and the plurality of lateral arms 22 may have a level and/or a means for measuring to enhance the functionality of the fabrication tool.

Returning to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, fastener assemblies 26 may be configured to couple each pivot arm 18 to the base 14 via the primary slot 38 and the secondary slot 68. Additionally, fastener assemblies 26 may be configured to couple each lateral arm 22 to each pivot arm 18 via the connecting slot 74 and the secondary slot 68. More specifically, each lateral arm 22 may couple two of the pivot arms 18. Each fastener assembly 26 connected through the primary slot 38 and secondary slot 68 may allow each pivot arm 18 to move linearly along a primary slot 38, while also allowing rotation of each pivot arm 18. Each fastener assembly 26 connected through the secondary slot 68 and the connecting slot 74 may allow each lateral arm 22 to move vertically along the secondary slot 68 while also connecting a first pivot arm 18 to a second pivot arm 18.

FIG. 7 illustrates a fastener assembly 26 according to some embodiments. The one or more fastener assemblies 26 may include a wing nut 82, a first nylon washer 84, a second nylon washer 86, and a fastener 88 with a threaded portion 90 and a head 92. The fastener 88 has a diameter that does not exceed the width of the primary slot 38, the secondary slot 68, or the connecting slot 74. In the embodiment shown, the primary slot 38, the secondary slot 68, and the connecting slot 74 are the same diameter, which is larger than the diameter of the plurality of fastener assemblies 26. In other embodiments, the primary slot 38, the secondary slot 68, and the connecting slot 74 may be different dimensions.

The first nylon washer 84 is positioned between the head 92 of the fastener 88 and a connection section 94. The connection section 94 can be any combination of the base 14, the plurality of pivot arms 18, and the plurality of lateral arms 22 in which each fastener assembly 26 is coupled to. The second nylon washer 86 is positioned between the connection section 94 and the wing nut 82. The first nylon washer 84 and second nylon washer 86 may be used to protect the connection section 94 from wear when each fastener assembly 26 is tightened and secured. The wing nut 82 is connected to the threaded portion 90 of the fastener 88 and allows each fastener assembly 26 to be tightened or loosened. In the embodiment shown, each fastener assembly 26 allows for a user to easily adjust the positions of any component of the flashing fabrication tool 10 with one hand. In other embodiments, the plurality of fastener assemblies 26 may be comprised of other elements that allow for the easy adjustment of the flashing fabrication tool 10.

The placement of the wing nut 82 in the plurality of fastener assemblies 26 defines a front section 96 of the flashing fabrication tool 10 while the head 92 of the fastener 88 defines a rear section 98. In operation, with respect to the first embodiment of the flashing fabrication tool 10, the user may place the base 14 against the roof 30 of a house and press the rear section 98 of the flashing fabrication tool 10 against the chimney 34 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 8). Thus, the force on the head 92 of the fastener 88 allows the user to tighten or loosen each fastener assembly 26. Additionally, the force on the head 92 of the fastener 88 allows the user to adjust each fastener assembly 26 in a fashion that only one hand may be required.

Referring to FIG. 8, in operation, the user secures the base 14 against the chimney 34. The user loosens a first fastener assembly 26 coupling a first pivot arm 18 to the base 14 via the primary slot 38 and the secondary slot 68. The first pivot arm 18 is rotated and aligned with a desired substantially vertical brick line 102 of the chimney 34. The wing nut 82 of the first fastener assembly 26 is tightened to lock rotation of the first pivot arm 18. The user continues to adjust the remaining of the plurality of pivot arms 18 in the same manner as the first pivot arm 18. The user continues operation of the flashing fabrication tool 10 by loosening a second fastener assembly 26 coupling a first lateral arm 22 to the first pivot arm 18 via the secondary slot 68 of the first pivot arm 18 and a first end 106 of the connecting slot 74 of the first lateral arm 22. Thus, the user adjusts the height of the first lateral arm 22 to a height that aligns with a desired substantially lateral brick line 104 of the chimney 34. The wing nut 82 of the second fastener assembly 26 is tightened to lock the vertical position of the first end 106 of the connecting slot 74. The user continues operation by loosening a third fastener assembly 26 coupling the first lateral arm 22 to a second pivot arm 18 via the secondary slot 68 of the second pivot arm 18 and a second end 108 of the connecting slot 74 of the first lateral arm 22. Thus, the user adjusts the height of the first lateral arm 22 to a height that aligns with a desired substantially lateral brick line 104 on the chimney 34. The wing nut 82 of the third fastener assembly 26 is tightened to lock the vertical position of the second end 108 of the connecting slot 74 which also locks the vertical position of the first lateral arm 22. The user continues to adjust the plurality of lateral arms 22 in the same manner as the first lateral arm 22 to determine the geometry of flashing material that is required to complete the flashing process.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a flashing fabrication tool 210 according to another embodiment. Like components and features as the flashing fabrication tool 10 of FIGS. 1-7 will be used plus “200,” and will not be described again in detail. The flashing fabrication tool 210 may include the plurality of pivot arms 218, the plurality of lateral arms 222, and the plurality of fastener assemblies 226. Additionally, the flashing fabrication tool 210 may include a first base 212 and a second base 216. The first base 212 and the second base 216 each include a first set of one or more primary slots 220 and a second set of one or more primary slots 224. In the illustrated embodiment, a fastener assembly 226 is configured to couple the first base 212 to the second base 216 via the first set of one or more primary slots 220 and a second set of one or more primary slots 224.

When coupled, the first base 212 and the second base 216 may rotate with respect to each other to allow the first base 212 and the second base 216 to be positioned over a peak 228 of a roof 230 (FIG. 11). In some embodiments, the combined length of the first base 212 and the second base 216 may be in a range from approximately five to approximately ten feet. Similar to the first embodiment of the flashing fabrication tool 10, the plurality of fastener assemblies 226 are configured to couple each pivot arm 218 to the first base 212 or second base 216 via the first set of primary slots 220 or the second set of primary slot 224 and the secondary slot 268 and each lateral arm 222 to each pivot arm 218 via a connecting slot 274 and a secondary slot 268. In operation, the flashing fabrication tool 210 may be adjusted similar to the flashing fabrication tool 210 to align the pivot arms 218 and lateral arms 222 with a substantially vertical brick line 232 and a substantially lateral brick line 236 of the chimney 234 similar to the substantially vertical brick line 102 and the substantially lateral brick line 104 of chimney 34 as illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a process, or operation, 300 of assembling the flashing fabrication tool 10 or the flashing fabrication tool 210 according to some embodiments. It should be understood that the order of the steps disclosed in process 300 could vary. Additional steps may also be added and not all of the steps may be required.

A base 14 including one or more primary slot 38, is provided (block 310). In some constructions, the fabrication tool 210 may include a first base 212 and a second base 216 having a first set of primary slots 220 and a second set of primary slots 224. Next, a plurality of pivot arms 18, 218 each including a secondary slot 68, 268 (block 320) are provided, and a plurality of lateral arms 22, 222 each including a connecting slot 74, 274 (block 330) are provided. In some embodiments, the primary slots 38, 220, 224, the secondary slot 68, 268, and the connecting slot 74, 274 may be formed by drilling a hole and boring the hole to the desired dimensions.

Next, at least one pivot arm 18, 218 is fastened to the base 14, 212, 214 and at least one lateral arm 22, 222 is fastened to one or more of the pivot arms 18, 218 (block 340). In some embodiments, block 340 may be performed using a fastener assembly 26, 226 to fasten the respective pieces of the flashing fabrication tool 10, 210.

Thus, the embodiments provide, among other things, a chimney flashing fabrication tool. Various features and advantages of the application are set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A chimney flashing fabrication tool comprising: a base including one or more primary slots; a plurality of pivot arms each including a secondary slot, each pivot arm coupled to the base; a plurality of lateral arms each including a connecting slot, each lateral arm coupled to one or more pivot arms; and a plurality of fastener assemblies configured to couple the pivot arms to the base via the primary slot and the secondary slot and the lateral arms to the pivot arms via the connecting slot and the secondary slot.
 2. The fabrication tool of claim 1, wherein the base, the pivot arms, and the lateral arms are formed of aluminum.
 3. The base of claim 2, wherein the primary slot is located approximately one inch from an end of the base.
 4. The fabrication tool of claim 1, wherein the lateral arms are each configured to couple to two of the pivot arms.
 5. The fabrication tool of claim 4, wherein each fastener assembly connected through the secondary slot and the connecting slot allows each lateral arm to move vertically along the secondary slot.
 6. The base of claim 1, further comprising: a first rail portion; a second rail portion; a first connection member is positioned between an end of the base, a first primary slot, the first rail portion, and the second rail portion; a second connection member is positioned between the first primary slot, a second primary slot, the first rail portion, and the second rail portion.
 7. The base of claim 6, wherein the second connection member is configured to increase the rigidity of the base.
 8. The base of claim 1, wherein an overall length of the base is at least approximately five feet.
 9. The pivot arms of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fastener assemblies are configured to allow the pivot arms to move linearly along to primary slots.
 10. The fastener assemblies of claim 1, further comprising: a wing nut; a first nylon washer; a second nylon washer; and a fastener including a threaded portion; wherein a diameter of the fastener does not exceed a width of the primary slot, a width of the secondary slot, or a width of the connecting slot.
 11. The fabrication tool of claim 1, wherein: the base is a first base of the chimney flashing fabrication tool; the one or more primary slots is a first set of one or more primary slots; and the fabrication tool further comprises a second base having a second set of one or more primary slots.
 12. The fabrication tool of claim 11, wherein the plurality of fastener assemblies are configured to couple the first base to the second base via the first set of one or more primary slots and a second set of one or more primary slots.
 13. The fabrication tool of claim 12, wherein the plurality of fastener assemblies are configured to couple the pivot arms to the second base via the second set of primary slot.
 14. The fabrication tool of claim 1, wherein the one or more primary slots are positioned horizontally along the base equidistant from a first edge and a second edge distal from the first edge.
 15. The fabrication tool of claim 1, wherein the one or more primary slots extend horizontally along the base for nearly the entire length of the base.
 16. A method of assembling a chimney flashing fabrication tool which comprises: providing a base including one or more primary slots; providing a plurality of pivot arms each including a secondary slot; providing a plurality of lateral arms each including a connecting slot; and fastening at least one pivot arms to the base and fastening at least one lateral arms to one or more of the pivot arms.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising forming the base, the plurality of pivot arms, and the plurality of lateral arms from aluminum.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising boring the primary slot, the secondary slot, and the connecting slot.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising: providing a second base having a second set of one or more primary slots; and fastening the second base to the base.
 20. The method of claim 12 further comprising: fastening at least one pivot arms to the second base; and fastening at least one lateral arms to one or more of the pivot arms fastened to the second base. 